Shelly's Recipe

NUTTY CHOCOLATE HOT BITES

Category: Cookies

1 pkg Ready to Bake refrigerated chocolate chip cookies (24 cookies)
1 1/4 cups mixed nuts with peanuts
1 1/4 cups special dark chocolate baking chips
1 1/4 cups marshmallow creme
2 tbsp half-and-half
1/8 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)

Heat oven to 375. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Place 1 cookie dough round in each cup. Using floured fingers, press dough to flatten slightly.

Bake 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pans 15 minutes. Remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, remove Brazil nuts from mixed nuts; coarsely chop Brazil nuts. In 2-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, half-and-half and red pepper over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in Brazil nuts and remaining mixed nuts.

Drop about 1 tbsp nut mixture onto each cookie. Let stand about 15 minutes or until chocolate is set. To serve, remove bites from paper baking cups. If desired, place each bite into a new paper baking cup.